Teacher of the Deaf

Overbrook School for the Blind • Philadelphia, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher of the Deaf at Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is a passionate role focused on enhancing the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges. OSB serves students who are blind or visually impaired, with or without additional disabilities, providing a customized, individualized education. This position reports directly to the Educational Program Supervisor and is part of a supportive community dedicated to building a bright future for students.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Deaf Education, Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Special Education (working toward a Teacher of the Deaf degree).
• Must have Current PA Teacher Certification.
• Experience working with students with blindness/visual impairments and additional disabilities.
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Maintain a professional attitude at all times and will fulfill assigned duties and special activities.
• Contribute as a member of the program team to the long-range planning efforts of the program and the school.
• Demonstrate problem-solving ability and flexibility, and a willingness to work with others to ensure the best program for the children.
• Demonstrate good time management skills.
• Demonstrate good written and spoken communication skills.
• Demonstrate competence in understanding the visual etiologies of the students. This information will be used to design and implement the student program.
• Demonstrate skills in effectively interacting with the parents.
• Demonstrate the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Demonstrate crisis intervention skills and leadership skills with respect to the classroom and the individual students in his or her charge.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs minimum.
• Participate in 2-person lifts.
• The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Frequent movement throughout the school environment, including classrooms, therapy areas, residential areas, vocational settings, and community-based instructional environments.
• Duties may include assisting students with positioning, mobility, communication, instructional materials, and other educational activities consistent with the employee's role and training.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of special educational techniques and adapted materials for working with students who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind and students with additional challenges.
• Incorporate appropriate communication systems, including but not limited to sign language, tactile sign, object symbols, tactile symbols, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), gestures, visual communication systems, social skills, assessment and curricula for enhancing communication skills.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers/TVIs and staff to ensure that instruction is accessible through appropriate auditory, visual, tactile, and multisensory approaches.
• Continue professional development through attendance at in-service training and seeking additional training pertinent to the children in his or her care.
• Obtain certification in visual impairment, if not already obtained, and eventually obtain Level II Certification.
• Develop and implement an Individualized Instruction Plan for each student based upon assessment of students’ strengths and needs.
• Develop classroom goals and objectives that reflect the IEP.
• Provide direct and/or consultative instruction to students based on the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Maintain current knowledge of best practices in deaf education, deafblind education, communication, assistive technology, and related areas.
• Consult in the CVI clinic when requested.
• Provide initial and ongoing training for interveners regarding deafblind educational practices, communication, sensory access, environmental information, and student-specific instructional needs.
• Provide coaching and observation to interveners and offer constructive feedback regarding implementation of student programs.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and TVIs to ensure that interveners understand and appropriately implement IEP goals, accommodations, communication systems, and instructional strategies.
• Serve as an active member of the DeafBlind Resource Team, contributing specialized expertise to school-wide programming and student support.
• Work with Specialty Teachers, including Therapists, to develop programs for students and to assist in implementing the programs in the classroom.
• Participate in the yearly IEP meeting.
• Stay current with developments in the field of deaf education.
• Participate in in-service training, conferences, and professional learning communities.
• Maintain certifications and licensure as required by the state or jurisdiction.
• Maintain a safe and age-appropriate environment for students.
• Use school equipment and facilities properly.
• Follow the OSB Handbook and guidelines.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.
• Liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level